U.S. Navy Ends Search for Sailor Missing After Helicopter Ditches in Arabian Sea

The U.S. Navy suspended its search Sunday for a missing sailor whose MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter made an emergency water landing in the Arabian Sea on July 1. The helicopter, assigned to the USS George H.W.

Bush, carried a five-person crew. Three members of the four-person crew were rescued and returned to the carrier, while one sailor remained unaccounted for after the incident. Search teams from the U.S.

Navy and U.S. Air Force covered more than 14,000 square miles over 102 hours before the effort concluded, according to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command. The suspension took effect Sunday afternoon. The military stated there was no indication the helicopter was shot down by hostile action.

The cause remains under investigation. The USS George H.W. Bush has remained in the Middle East since late April. A total of 14 U.S. service members have been killed in the war against Iran, including the missing sailor.

Authorities will not release the sailor's name until next of kin are notified and at least 24 hours have passed after notification.